U.S. exchange alumni across Pakistan joined millions of youth around the globe to celebrate Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) on April 12, 2014. All 12 chapters of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) organized community service activities that engaged more than 4,000 youth in events ranging from anti-littering campaigns and debating competitions, to volunteer programs at local hospitals and orphanages.

“Congratulations to our young alumni for their work to improve their communities,” said PUAN Country President Haseeb Kiyani, who spearheaded the country-wide project. “On Global Youth Service Day, we see what’s possible when young people take the lead as change-makers.”

Alumni-led projects included the following service activities. For photos, follow the PUAN Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pakalumni.

• Azad Jammu & Kashmir Chapter: “Youth Leaders Forum and Community Service at District Hospital” mobilized 300 youth to discuss social issues and volunteer at a local hospital.
• Bahalwalpur Chapter: “Youth Visit to Local Orphanage” engaged 100 youth to spend time with 50 orphans and engage them in experience sharing, community service and a history tour.
• Quetta Chapter: “Youth Talent Hunt” engaged 300 youth in volunteering for a dynamic competition focused on a debate competition, poster making and clean environment activity
• Gilgit-Baltistan Chapter: “Climate Change Painting Competition” engaged 300 youth to create a peaceful society through art and raise awareness of environmental conservation.
• Gwadar Chapter: “Role of Youth in Community Service” workshop engaged 50 female students to raise awareness of the value and importance of volunteerism and community service.
• Islamabad-Rawalpindi Chapter: “Play Your Part: Clean Up Saidpur” event engaged 300 youth to clean up the village, paint a mural focused about protecting the environment, and perform an anti-littering flash mob. Project partners included Green Volunteers and Youth Impact.
• Jamshoro Chapter: “Youth Debating Competition” on volunteerism and education engaged 300 youth to raise awareness of these important topics.
• Karachi Chapter: “Youth Tree Plantation and Beach Clean Up” activity engaged more than 1000 youth at eight different schools to raise awareness of environmental conservation and plant hundreds of trees. Approximately 30 youth also led a beach clean up.
• Khyber Paktunkhwa/FATA Chapter: “Let’s Clean It” activity brought 150 youth to five parks  in Peshawar to clean public spaces and raise awareness of caring for the environment.
• Lahore Chapter:  “Today Let’s Follow the Traffic Signals,” engaged 200 youth in decorating rickshaws with positive messages about following traffic laws.
• Multan Chapter: “Importance of Volunteerism and Park Clean Up” event included awareness sessions about environmental issues and engaged 250 youth in a park clean up.
• Sukkur Chapter:  “Tree Plantation” activity engaged 1,000 youth in planting trees to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the environment.

About GYSD: Global Youth Service Day recognizes the positive impact that youth have on their communities and is celebrated in more than 135 countries. Held each year in April, it is the largest service event in the world. First Lady Michelle Obama is the honorary chairperson. Web: www.GYSD.org. 

About PUAN: The Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network is one of the largest U.S. alumni networks in the world.  It consists of more than 13,000 students and professionals who have participated in U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs.  PUAN organizes a number of events in Pakistan, including community service projects, leadership trainings, roundtable discussions, and community engagement activities.  Learn more at www.pakusalumninetwork.com.

For more information, contact PUAN Country President: Haseeb Kiyani, haseebkiyani@hotmail.com